Page 3 of Ice Block

“Fine,” I snap, continuing to throw shit around.

“Mac in next game?”

I glare at him. He knows.Everyone knows.

“Sorry, man,” Larsy sighs as he places his hand on my shoulder. “I know it sucks. This early in the season, they are just trying to get the right mix on the ice, and you know that means you in the net. You’ll get back in soon.”

“One game with four goals and they take me out? This is horseshit. That damn rookie,Bougie,had a shit game. Two of those goals were him not doing his damn job. I don’t know where his mindwas, but it was not on helping me keep pucks out of the net. But, you know, it’s always the goalie’s fault. You won’t see Bougie getting benched. Fuck me.” I tilt my head, cracking my neck, trying to contain my rage.

“Try and shake it off. Mac is young, and he’ll make mistakes. You’ll get your chance.” He nudges me with his elbow, neither of us moving an inch. “Why don’t you come to this bourbon gala tonight with me and the other guys? I’ll keep Bougie in line.”

I raise an eyebrow. “I said I was only going if there was vodka. Have they changed it to a vodka gala?”

Larsy laughs. “I don’t think the Bayview Bourbon Distillery suddenly started making vodka. I tell you what, you come with us tonight and I’ll buy you a bottle of your favorite vodka for the ride home. Please? I’d love for you to get to know Olivia better.”

A loud sigh escapes me at the mention of his love life. Of course I’m happy to see him so in love, and his new relationship seems to stoke the fire in his game, but that’s not for me. My surname is Volkov.Wolf.And that’s what I am. A lone wolf in the net and in life. I don’t need a wife and a family. I only want to worry about me. I’ve spent so much of my life trying to survive, clawing myself out of the tragedy that haunts me, the memories that wake me at night. I’ve fought to get where I am today. I worked hard to succeed in my career. Not to be famous, but to move forward. I don’t have it in me to care for someone else.

But a night full of alcohol and beautiful women? That, I can handle. I could use a chance to drink and get laid. A nice, no strings attached hookup sounds like the medicine I need right now.

“Alright, you have a deal. But a warning, the vodka I like is not cheap,” I tease.

“Fair enough,” he says with a laugh. “We’re all meeting at Walt’s on Water at six to have a couple drinks before heading to the gala. See you then.”

Larsy heads out as I continue packing my gear. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Jordan ‘Bougie’ Boucher walking into the locker room. I squeeze the worn strap on the bag with all of my might. Normally, he’s like an annoying gnat I try to swat away, one that won’t leave me alone. But after his shit game last night and me getting benched, I am not in the mood for his antics.If that cocksucker comes near me, I swear I’ll punch him in the face.

“Vladi, my man! You’re gonna rip that bag in half if you slam your stuff in there any harder. Someone piss in your cereal this morning?”

Darting across the locker room, I am quickly held back from moving any closer toward him. Zack Reeves, our captain, is holding me from behind, keeping me from punching Bougie square in the jaw.

“Don’t do this, Vladi,” Zack orders, his voice even. “Take a deep breath and calm down.”

“What the hell did I do?” Bougie yells from across the room.

“It’s what youdidn’tdo last night, cocksucker,” I snap. “Two of those goals happened becauseyouwere not where you were supposed to be, and now I’m fucking benched.” I struggle against Zack’s hold, Taylor reaching for me as well. “That’swhat you did.”

A look of shock and sadness crosses his face, but that’s not going to make me feel sorry for him. Not when he fucked up my game. “Damn, I…I’m sorry, Vladi. Look, I admit it. I had a shit game. You’re right. Those goals are on me. But I swear to God…I didn’t mean to get you pulled,” he says with sincerity. Which is rare for someone as arrogant as Bougie.

He walks over cautiously, Zach still restraining me, and holds out his hand to shake mine. My mind wars between the shock of him apologizing, and the wolf in me wanting to rip him to shreds.

“I really am sorry, Vladi. My mind was not in the game last night. I’ll do whatever you want to make it up to you.”

Reluctantly, I extend my hand to grip his, maybe harder than necessary. “One favor. Of my choice. Anywhere. Any time. Deal?”

“Deal. I can’t have you pissed at me. You know I love my big goalie,” he says, pulling me in for a hug. I stiffen, refusing to return his affection. I donotlike hugs. These Americans and their obsession with hugging it out is asinine.

“Do not hug me again or the deal is off and I will punch you in the face.”

“Okay, okay, duly noted,” Bougie laughs as he backs up with his hands raised in surrender. “No more hugs for the Vladinator.”

Zack’s gaze darts between the two of us, shaking his head at Bougie’s ridiculous nickname. I donotlike nicknames. “You two good? I can let go of Vladi’s arm?”

“Yes.” I nod at Zack to let him know I’m calm enough to not kill our defenseman. “Thanks, Z. Sorry about that.”

“It happens. We all have a lot of emotions around the ice. You’ll be back out there soon.”

I grunt. I know I’ll get back on the ice eventually, but knowing doesn’t dull the pain. At least Bougie took some accountability. But I’m still pissed. I zip my bag, throwing it over my shoulder and striding out of the locker room. Originally, I did not want to go to this gala tonight, but now I think it’s the perfect thing to get my mind off this shit. Drinking and women are the best way to soothe my angry Russian temper.

I smirk.Za zdrovye.

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